My Weight Loss Story Started with One Step

by Marie
(Virginia)

I will never forget it. I was watching, of all things, Jerry Springer. It was one of those shows where he had the person so fat they had to cut open the wall to get them out. I looked at that TV, and I saw my future. I was already halfway there. The person on TV weighed a little over six hundred pounds, and I was over three hundred and fifty. I sobbed like a baby. Something inside of me snapped, and I swore to myself it would not be me.

I stood right up, and I threw away every snack cake, bag of chips, or other junk food in my house. I tied up the bag, and I took it outside. When my husband came home, I spoke to him about this. He agreed to support and help me in any way he could. He continues to be supportive and encouraging to this day.

It started with a trip to the doctor and a physical. I did this under my doctor's care every step of the way. We started with a walk around the block three times a day. Then it was twice around the block, and then three, and then four.

I was also referred to a nutritionist who helped me learn the right way to eat, and even the right way to snack! Portion control was a huge factor, and so was the elimination of junk food, soda, and fatty foods.

The first thirty pounds seemed to just literally melt away like nothing! I was encouraged!

The healthier I became the more exercise I was permitted to do. I kept up, and kept up, the walks per day. I eventually worked up to speed walking.

I am not there yet. I am still at two hundred and twenty pounds. I feel better. I have more energy, I don't get sick as often, and I no longer get winded just walking in my own house. I have a long way to go, but it all starts with a simple first step.